Lenovo launches Thinkpad Edge models

BUYER OF IBM'S THINKPAD LINE, Lenovo has been showing off a range of machines that take the laptop out of its traditional corporate market.

The ThinkPad Edge comes in 13, 14, and 15-inch models that have an expanded multitouch touchpad, re-tooled keyboard and colourful cases. These might be at home in the consumer market but also in the growing number of small and medium businesses out there, Lenovo reckons.

Gone are the useless Thinkpad function keys as users will only need to use one finger to access multimedia and other functions. The ThinkPad's traditional embedded number pad along with arcane function keys such as System Request have also gone. After all neither SMB's nor consumers need them.

The Edge is also the first ThinkPad to come with AMD's dual-core processor and VisionPro graphics. Lenovo is also offering the Edge with Intel Core 2 Duo ultra low voltage and standard dual core processors.

The machines are coming onto the market for $549. They have eight-hour battery life, Windows 7 optimisation, WiFi and optional Bluetooth, 3G and WiMax,

However the systems do ship with some things that the great unwashed will not require, such as Skype VOIP-based video-conferencing.

The 13-inch Thinkpad Edge is available now, with the 14-inch and 15-inch models scheduled to be in the shops in the second quarter. µ